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Beit Midrash
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This background leads to a very difficult question. If a special miracle was needed to allow Rivka to conceive, why did the miracle have to result in the birth of twin boys, considering it was already prophesied that the chosen nation would come from only one of the sons? Let us present one of the possible approaches that stem from the words of Chazal.
Shir Hashirim Zuta (1:15) indicates that Eisav was slated for greatness had he not deteriorated. The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemot 1) blames mistakes in Yitzchak’s parenting for the failure. Yitzchak was concerned that if he would be too strict with Eisav, Eisav would rebel from his father’s path. His approach did not help. Chazal teach us that rebuke can be very effective if one does it in the right way (see Berachot 7a). Perhaps the most poignant advice for dealing with those who have begun to stray is, "One should always have the left hand push away and the right draw closer" (Sota 47a). Had Yitzchak succeeded, there could have been two tribes, albeit not perfectly unified, but creating a situation of healthy rivalry where each one pushes the other to greater heights. Instead, Eisav emerged as he did, leading, two generations later, to Amalek. The rivalry is not healthy, and it will continue until the coming of Mashiach (see Ovadia 1:21).
Taking a look at Eisav, we see that he contained points of fine behavior, even a certain degree of gentleness. His respect for his father was extreme and sincere (see Bereishit Rabba 65:16), and even his hypocritical behavior before Yitzchak stemmed from a good place. It is hard to picture how his coarse behavior in speaking before Yaakov and the major sins he committed (see Bava Batra 16b) fit in.
The solution is that one has a "first-stage nature," which requires educational work to take advantage of – to keep the problematic part in check and to channel the nature in the right direction. Eisav certainly was the son of Yitzchak and the grandson of Avraham, and he inherited many of their fine qualities. Yet, when he did not used his qualities properly, he turned into a "wild donkey" (see Iyov 11:12). The gemara says: "I created an evil inclination, and I created the Torah as a remedy" (Kiddushin 30b). Without Torah, it is not possible to develop properly.
There are groups who speak these days about Jewish awareness. They feel pressure from their lack of satisfaction with their movements’ direction. However, awareness, knowing how their father and their grandfather prayed, is not enough to give significant results. Maybe it will bring them a little respect for their fathers (as Eisav had). But this will not stop them from tricking their fathers to quiet their consciences and continuing to sin horribly. What they need is to actually sit in the tents of Torah, as Yaakov did, and use authentic Torah as a remedy. Education cannot be limited to strokes of the face; there need to be a left hand pushing away and a right hand drawing close. The use of the left is as important as that of the right.
Let us learn from our forefather’s mistake and fix that which is awry now and in the future.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
